Banjul experiences a classic tropical wet and dry climate, with scorching heat year-round and a stark division between bone-dry winters and torrential summer monsoons.

The wet season brings intense downpours that can turn streets into temporary rivers, making waterproof footwear and quick-dry fabrics essential rather than optional.

Temperatures hover between 23°C and 33°C throughout the year, with April and May reaching their peak before the rains arrive to provide marginal relief.

Humidity spikes dramatically during the wet months, creating a sticky, oppressive atmosphere that makes even lightweight cotton feel like a thermal blanket.

The harmattan winds from the Sahara can blanket the city in fine dust during the dry season, so sunglasses and a light scarf become unexpectedly vital accessories.